India-spec Jeep Compass Trailhawk likely to come in diesel auto only

Jeep has begun road-testing the India-spec Compass Trailhawk SUV as reported by us a few days ago. The company has delayed launch of this SUV that was supposed to take place earlier this year as the brand was readying BS-VI-compliant engines for the SUV.

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk will be the first Jeep model in India to come with a BS-VI engine when it launches in second quarter of 2019. Jeep will subsequently update the entire Compass engine range with BS-VI engines by the end of next year. Additionally, the Compass Trailhawk is likely debut the diesel-automatic option in India. Automatic gearbox duties will be carried out via a 9-speed transmission, which is likely to be the only gearbox on offer on the Trailhawk variant.

As reported earlier, the Compass Trailhawk diesel automatic will get enhanced off-road capabilities like four-wheel drive with low range with an additional 'Rock’ mode for the Selec-Terrain 4WD mode selector. The SUV also sits 20mm higher than its standard variant and gets uniquely designed front and rear bumpers, which result in better approach (30-degree) and departure (33.6-degree) angles. It will also get dual-tone alloy wheels similar to the ones seen on the Compass limited Plus, red recovery hooks, and a black anti-glare bonnet decal and skid plate.

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk might also come with the panoramic sunroof and a larger 8.4-inch infotainment system that recently made its debut on the Compass Limited Plus. The model is expected to sit at the top of the Jeep Compass range in India that includes the Compass Sport, Latitude, Limited, Limited (O) and the Limited Plus variants. The Jeep Compass Limited Plus is currently priced at Rs 22.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Sources tell us that the ex-showroom price for the Compass Trailhawk will hover around Rs 25 lakh mark. Additionally, there are talks of Jeep replacing the Compass Limited (O) variant with the Limited Plus trim when the Compass Trailhawk is launched.